Rock n' Roll was influenced by social, political, cultural, and technological factors in its development in the 1950s and 1960s. Socially, lyrics focused on material goods and women, appealing to the new teenage demographic with leisure time. Politically, white musicians introduced black music to mainstream audiences, breaking down racial barriers. Culturally, white rock musicians emulated the musical styles of black artists like Little Richard. Technologically, the popularization of electric guitars, radio, jukeboxes, and record players helped spread rock music to broader audiences and allowed for technological progress in the recording and listening experience.

2. Social Influences
• Rock n Roll lyrics were influenced heavily by the commercial aspect of
life for example money, women, Cadillacs etcetera. This became a
pattern throughout most, if not all Rock ‘n’ Roll groups’ lyrics.
• Post war prosperity essentially created teenagers (or at least how we
see them nowadays) because they had more leisure time. Due to this
there was a large demand for Rock ‘n’ Roll music from them.
Characteristics: __________

3. Political
• Rock ‘n’ Roll musicians brought ‘black music’ to the mainstream, such
as radios, live shows and television. Before this, white people
wouldn’t have been able to listen to black music but due to it’s
popularity everyone was introduced to it. Some people got confused
however, mistaking Buddy Holly and The Crickets for a black group.
• When white people began to listen to black music, barriers between
races were broken down, in a racially segregated America.
Characteristics: __________

4. Cultural
• Rock ‘n’ Roll musicians such as Elvis Presley , Carl Perkins and Jerry
Lee Lewis used stage moves at their live shows that were influenced
by black musicians such as Little Richard’s quirky piano playing style –
with his heels for example. Hank Williams and Elvis were also
definitely affected by country and blues roots music.
• Another effect of this influence was the simple musical progressions.
For example it would follow the 12 bar blues progression often and
occasionally they would employ the ‘3 chord trick’, a very basic chord
progression used in pop songs often too.
Characteristics: __________

5. Technological
Muddy Waters was the first to use electric guitars in the late 40s. Later
Rock ‘n’ Roll musicians listened to these electric albums and
mimicked the sound Muddy Waters made because they liked it.
Radio – in the late 20s Jimmie Rogers recorded railroad blues which
was played for the first time on WWMC radio station – his influence
passed on through generations of future rock n roll musicians.
Jukeboxes were sold commercially thus introduced to families in the
early 50s which allowed music to be listened to more people
commercially.
78rpm then 45rpm records then vinyl – the progression of ways that
music could be sold.
Characteristics: __________